Colorful Bell Pepper Japchae
The Golden Recipe for Bell Pepper Japchae, Made Easy
Think Japchae is only for special occasions? Now you can easily make this delicious dish at home using bell peppers! While traditionally a staple for holidays and celebrations, this golden recipe makes it more accessible without compromising on flavor. We’ll guide you through every step, from preparing the ingredients to the final cooking, ensuring even beginners can create a visually stunning and incredibly tasty Bell Pepper Japchae.
Main Ingredients- 200g Glass noodles (Dangmyeon)
- 200g Pork loin (for Japchae)
- 1/2 Red bell pepper
- 1/2 Yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (Oigo-chu)
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Mirin or Sake (to remove pork odor)
- 5 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic (optional, adjust to taste)
- 0.3 Tbsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Mirin or Sake (to remove pork odor)
- 5 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic (optional, adjust to taste)
- 0.3 Tbsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need 200g of glass noodles (Dangmyeon), 200g of pork loin, and for vibrant color and texture, half a red bell pepper, half a yellow bell pepper, half an onion for sweetness, and two Korean chili peppers (Oigo-chu) for a mild kick. Wash all your vegetables thoroughly before proceeding.
Step 2
Julienne the onion into thin, even strips. For the bell peppers, remove the seeds and core, then slice them into strips as well. For a more tender texture, try slicing them against the grain. Prepare the Korean chili peppers by halving them lengthwise, scooping out the seeds, and then cutting them into long, thin strips.
Step 3
To eliminate any gamey odor from the pork, marinate it with 1 tablespoon of mirin or sake. Gently massage the liquid into the pork loin and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This simple step significantly enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the flavorful sauce that’s key to delicious Japchae. In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic (if using), 0.3 tablespoons of salt (or to your preference), 0.5 tablespoons of mirin or sake, 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce and sugar amounts to match your taste.
Step 5
Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the pork from the pan and place it on a sieve to drain off any excess oil. This step ensures your Japchae isn’t greasy.
Step 6
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and stir-fry the julienned onions, bell peppers, and Korean chili peppers. You can stir-fry them together or separately. Cook them just until they are slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crispness – avoid overcooking. Just like the pork, drain any excess oil from the cooked vegetables using a sieve.
Step 7
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add the 200g of glass noodles and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them immediately under cold running water to remove excess starch. Drain them completely. Once drained, cut the noodles once or twice with kitchen scissors to make them easier to eat.
Step 8
It’s time to bring everything together! In a large pan or wok, add a little oil and gently stir-fry the cooked pork and vegetables to warm them through. Add the cooked glass noodles to the pan. Pour in about 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and toss everything together evenly, ensuring the noodles and ingredients are well coated.
Step 9
Finally, add the remaining sauce to the pan and stir-fry quickly over high heat. It’s important to work fast to coat everything evenly and allow the flavors to meld without the noodles becoming mushy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a little more soy sauce if you prefer it saltier. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a wonderful aroma.
Step 10
Voila! Your vibrant Bell Pepper Japchae, showcasing the beautiful colors of the bell peppers and the delightful chewiness of the noodles, is ready. Its appealing appearance and rich flavors are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Step 11
Here are some creative ways to use leftover Japchae: Finely chop the Japchae, mix it with beaten egg, and pan-fry into bite-sized half-moon shapes for delicious ‘Egg Dumplings’. Alternatively, mix leftover Japchae with leftover rice, a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste), and a fried egg for a quick and satisfying meal.
Step 12
If you have any leftover bell peppers in your fridge, don’t hesitate to use them in this recipe! This Bell Pepper Japchae transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Why not make your next mealtime a delightful experience with this amazing dish?
